Do you avoid adopting from an animal shelter because you worry about behavior issues or because you want a specific breed? Or maybe you'd like something other than a cat or dog? We have some great news for you. READ MORE

Rescued Dog Saves New Family Within Hours of Adoption

The Littler family adopted a 135-pound Saint Bernard named Hercules, not knowing that in just six hours he would be saving them from an intruder. Lee and Elizabeth Littler were preparing to take new dog Hercules for a walk that first evening when the dog, who had not made a sound all afternoon, started growling and broke through their screen door to rush an intruder who had been trying to break in through the basement door.

Hercules chased the man and managed to get a bite out of his ankle before the unidentified intruder climbed a fence and got away. Police later told the Littler’s that their phone and cable lines had been cut.

The Littler’s initial intention in taking Hercules in was to save him from being euthanized, foster him briefly, and then find him a good home. Plans have changed after his heroic act and Hercules has found himself a permanent home at the Littler’s.

“To have adopted a dog six hours before the incident and have him already defending you with that resolve, it’s amazing,” said Lee. “If you show care and affection to your animals, they will return it.”

If you are looking to find your very own Hercules, visit our Adoptable Dogs page.